An unnamed island that makes up the southwest part of Dell Rapids might soon be called Quarry Island.

The Big Sioux River splits near Rickeman Field in southern Dell Rapids and reconnects northeast of 248th Street and 473rd Avenue, forming what is thought to be the largest island in South Dakota.

“I think it would be neat for the community to be able to say ‘the largest island in the state of South Dakota is right here in our town and its name is such and such,’ instead of having to say it doesn’t have a name,” said Brian Davis, a Dell Rapids resident who suggested to the South Dakota Board on Geographic Names that the island be called Quarry Island.
Davis said Quarry Island is a good fit because L.G. Everist’s west quarry is on the 2-square-mile island, which the state defines as an area of dry or relatively dry land surrounded by water or low wetland.

“After doing a small amount of research, we didn’t really find any good historical information as to why it should be named anything specific, like the first settler or the first farmer,” he said. “So in keeping with the heritage of the town and the history and the culture, I thought (Quarry Island) would make sense.”

The Board on Geographic Names is taking comment either in support for the name Quarry Island or alternative names through July 18. A comment form is available at www.sdbgn.sd.gov.